My First Gen Experience
For some, going to college was the obvious next step after high school.
But that was not me.
Honestly, college frightened and fascinated me at the same time. I knew what I’d seen in movies and TV shows, but wondered if it would really be the same.
When I decided on Rutgers, I was a little frightened. As a first generation college student, I was worried that I’d be lost in such a big school. Being able to make my family proud seemed impossible because I didn’t really know what to expect.
And when I would tell people I was going into engineering, they all responded with well wishes – while warning me of the possible number of hours of studying I’d have to put in daily.
I need not have worried so much: Today, I’m an Honors Academy materials science and engineering student, with a concentration in metallurgy and a double major in economics.
Fitting in at SoE
The great thing about SoE is that it can make a big school feel small.
Clubs became a great way to meet other students like me. Being able to find people to talk to about upcoming school assignments made a huge difference for me.
Feeling like you aren’t alone is crucial for any student, but especially for first gen students who might not be able to talk to family about their struggles in college.
A Supportive Community
I quickly learned I could turn to my professors for support and guidance. Getting assistance from someone who understands industry is amazing. And my professors and deans have been instrumental in providing me with connections and advice when it comes to my career goals.
I’ve had several summer industry internships and have a part time job as an undergraduate research assistant.
The support I’ve received from the SoE community has been invaluable. If I could tell my scared freshman self anything, it would be that it is more than okay to ask for help. I thought I would have to handle everything myself – and that is far from the truth.
A lot of times asking for assistance is the best choice that you can make, and SoE provides you with great resources for help with any situation.
Being a first gen student can seem overwhelming, and the pressures can be a lot to handle. But it’s so fulfilling to be able to have experiences that you could never have dreamed of.
